Which I think is one of the reasons why the iPhone did so well at launch (other than the massive internet hype).
It was "different". Problem is, most power users found it weak in featureset and lack of a freely available SDK coupled with the high cost not only of entry ($500-$600) but the high cost over just a two-year period alone (~$2000) turned most people off. And the die-hard Newton crowd just cried.
Ah, the Newton. Strange how no one mentioned that little OS. I had an old MP130 and loved it. Once the handwriting recognition was trained properly then it was a joy to use.
If we could get the HWR and PIM features of the NewtonOS crammed in alongside the other features on the N800 then I would love this thing even more.
(Yes, I know EInstein's been ported, I have no valid NOS image).
And for those craving PalmOS or PIM functionality, you do know you CAN run the PalmOS emulator on the N800, right? And it runs fairly quickly, I keep it on my tablet.